Last year I wrote of how Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has a $104 million budget, though I’ve seen that number as high as $604 million. Whatever the actual ’26 budget amount, it far eclipses New Jersey’s paltry ‘25 fiscal year budget appropriation of $4.7 million for marine fisheries out of the Garden State’s general fund. Clearly, Florida legislators view that state’s fisheries as a good return on investment (ROI), and it’s high time ours did too!
According to some of the data I’ve seen, there are roughly 4 million annual license holders in Florida. Comparatively speaking, as of this past November New Jersey tallied 114,302 individual and 1,100 for-hire vessel registrations through New Jersey’s Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. But let’s be honest, a side-by-side comparison of the two states is a little like comparing Harrison apples to fresh-squeezed Florida orange juice, so before we go down the taxation rabbit hole (income, property, insurance, licensing, etc.) let’s start with general funding, which is where taxation with representation actually begins.
Recreational and commercial fishing in New Jersey puts billions back into state coffers. An infographic making the rounds in Trenton right now during state budget discussions bears out the facts – New Jersey marine fisheries contribute over $3 billion each year to the state economy, representing more than 21,000 jobs in the commercial and recreational sectors. Again in comparison, New Jersey ranks 3rd among the 15 Atlantic coastal states in both recreational trips and total landings in the commercial fishery, while sitting at 8th in total budget and 11th in money spent per-angler and per-pound in commercial harvest.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has a pretty hefty overall budget, and with a little eye on investment potential the state could reap some hefty financial rewards by allocating a larger portion of that total funding into the agency that generates the greatest socioeconomic investment return, marine fisheries. With a new administration – New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and acting NJDEP commissioner Ed Potosnak – perhaps the time has come to consider ROI in New Jersey fisheries.
Back in October, then gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill told The Fisherman’s readers, “I’ll ensure that the Division of Fish and Wildlife has the resources and support it needs to manage and conserve game birds, fish, and animals to provide an adequate supply for recreational purposes for future generations to enjoy.” And upon his nomination by Governor-elect Sherrill in January, Potosnak, a licensed contractor who has struggled with bureaucratic permitting, said “as Commissioner, I look forward to streamlining that process so we’re ensuring government is being responsive to job creators while protecting our state’s natural resources.”
New Jersey’s marine fisheries have not seen a cost-of-living increase in some time, but perhaps with fresh perspective in the governor’s office and atop the NJDEP, the time has come to invest in our marine fisheries, and anglers as job creators. Current funding and staffing levels are inconsistent with the value of our marine fisheries, presenting a risk to fishing access, opportunity and economy. By keeping competitive with neighboring states through funding for access to our shared coastal fisheries and resources, New Jersey could expand scientific data collection to support fisheries management at state and regional levels, while maintaining and improving recreational fishing access like boat ramps, fishing piers, and artificial reefs.
While the nation’s top angling destination of Florida sees legislators approving a nine-figure investment in fisheries, New Jersey’s elected officials could do wonders for our Jersey Shore economy simply by making the jump to low eight figures. With a $12 million funding investment – up from $4.7 million – the NJDEP would push the Garden State into a top five position along the Atlantic Coast in terms of annual funding levels, more consistent with fishery performance.
That’s good for fish, fishermen and the fishing industry. Like I said, ROI.
